Summer shoes you and your children will love: barefoot versions of classic favourites

For summer, you can reach for classic footwear or look for alternatives in a barefoot version. Which water shoes, sandals and wellies should you choose?

Summer is the perfect time for walking barefoot. It benefits not only you, but especially your children. When you do need protection, quality shoes can help by supporting healthy development of children’s feet and their whole musculoskeletal system. But not all shoes you’ll find in shops are truly good quality. We’ll share tips on barefoot alternatives you can put on your little ones with complete peace of mind.

The best summer shoes for children are barefoot shoes

Whether you’re planning to laze by the water over summer or head out on adventures in more demanding terrain, you definitely shouldn’t underestimate choosing the right shoes. Shoes that are not only nice to look at, but also comfortable, protect your child’s feet from injury and don’t restrict healthy development in any way. And that’s exactly what barefoot shoes deliver—plus these benefits:

• Anatomical toe box – gives toes plenty of room, doesn’t squeeze them, and lets them work properly when walking.
• Thin, flexible sole – bends in all directions, so the foot can move as freely as if your child were walking completely barefoot.
• Zero drop (heel) – shoes without a heel don’t distort body alignment; instead, they support upright walking, which brings a range of benefits for the whole body.
• Low weight – one adult barefoot shoe weighs around 250–300 g (children’s shoes noticeably less), so your little one will barely feel them on their feet.
• No arch support – it may sound surprising, but it’s precisely this feature that helps support proper development of the foot arch.

A well-fitting shoe is the foundation of healthy walking

Choosing children’s footwear can be a bit of a challenge—especially when it comes to those very first shoes. The key is always the right size: the shoe needs to be roomy enough not to squeeze the foot, but it mustn’t be too big either, so your child doesn’t trip when walking, and so on. As well as foot length, consider foot width and ideally measure instep height too.

Read our detailed guide on how to measure your child’s foot and choose the right size. Then add an allowance of 9–12 mm to the foot length so the foot can work naturally when walking; for sandals, around 5 mm is enough. Measure your child’s feet regularly too, because they grow quickly—especially in the first years—and shoes that are too small would unnecessarily pinch.

P.S. To help your child’s shoes last as long as possible, don’t forget to care for them regularly.

Barefoot alternatives to popular summer shoes

Not every children’s shoe on today’s market is automatically healthy. With barefoot shoes, however, you can be confident they won’t interfere with healthy development of your child’s feet—and in most cases, you can hardly tell them apart from conventional off-the-shelf footwear at first glance.

Muris sandals instead of flip-flops

Flip-flops are a summer favourite not only for adults, but for children too. But they’re not ideal for children’s feet—often they offer minimal fixation and don’t stay on well. A great barefoot alternative is the children’s barefoot sandals MURIS ARUBA MINI.

They’re perfect for hot summer days—lightweight, flexible and comfortable for everyday wear. Thanks to practical Velcro straps, they’re easy to put on and stay securely on the foot even when running around by the water or paddling in a stream. They’re also great for water fun—whether at the pool, on the beach or at a natural swimming spot. They come in several colour options.

Rayve SplashSafe water shoes instead of standard rubber shoes

If you’re heading to the seaside this year or planning a swim, you definitely shouldn’t go without shoes designed for the water. A great barefoot alternative to classic rubber shoes is RAYVE SplashSafe.

They’re a perfect choice for the pool, where they help reduce the risk of slipping, and for the beach, where they protect little feet from sharp stones and scorching sand. They’re lightweight, flexible and made from a quick-drying, breathable material, making them ideal for switching between water and dry ground. The slip-on design makes them easy to put on, they stay well on the foot, and they give children plenty of freedom for movement and swimming. What’s more, you’ll find them here in lots of cheerful colours and patterns in sizes 18 to 35.

Sandals instead of classic closed-toe sandals with a bumper

Comfortable, breathable and well-fitting sandals are an ideal choice for active children for the playground and leisure time. They work brilliantly as a comfortable barefoot alternative to closed-toe slip-on sandals.

A sportier option is JOMA DRUA JUNIOR, ideal for active children for the playground and free time. They’re breathable and available in various colour options, so it’s easy for everyone to choose a style that suits them. In this category you’ll also find FRODDO LOOP SANDAL, which focus on soft leather and comfortable wear for everyday activities. Thanks to the leather construction, they’re also suitable for the in-between season and autumn, and you’ll find them in sizes 24–35.

If you’re looking for sandals with practical, quick fastening, FRODDO SANDAL VELCRO II are easy to put on thanks to Velcro and adapt well to the foot even for all-day wear. They’re made from quality leather that feels great, is durable and suitable for everyday use. They’re available in various colour options.

For versatile barefoot wear in town and on trips, there are the children’s barefoot sandals GROUNDIES® Noto 2.0, which stand out for flexibility, lightness and natural movement without restriction. You’ll find them in sizes 22–35 and they’re easy to match with summer and spring outfits.

Comfortable Froddo strappy sandals as a barefoot alternative to open sandals

Open summer sandals are popular thanks to their breathability and easy on/off, but not all of them provide enough support for the foot. With some types, the toes have to actively “hold on” while walking, which can affect natural movement and stability.

A suitable barefoot alternative to open summer sandals is FRODDO SANDAL FLEXY. They’re made from leather and, thanks to the Velcro strap fastening, they stay securely on the foot. They’re available in various colour options, and some models also feature a playful floral design. You’ll find them in sizes 27–42.

Barefoot wellies instead of standard ones

Children love jumping in puddles—whether it’s spring, summer or autumn. That’s why quality wellies that are easy to pull on and offer generous toe space will definitely earn their place in your shoe cupboard. RAYVE wellies are available in different colours and sizes, in shorter and taller versions, and also in options with a drawstring at the top for better protection against water and dirt. You’ll also find BUNDGAARD wellies in classic or shorter heights, in many different colours and playful patterns.

Stylish sock shoes instead of ordinary slippers

To finish, here’s a tip for footwear that looks like ordinary socks—but trust us, it’s anything but ordinary. We’re talking about the stylish sock shoes SKINNERS, which stand out for both comfort and functionality.

They’re as easy to pull on as socks, suitable both indoors and outdoors, and they don’t mind water either. They significantly reduce the risk of slipping on wet or slippery surfaces, protect feet from hot sand and rough ground, and they fit into any rucksack.

Another barefoot option is LEGUANO LEGUANITO, which are very lightweight and flexible and support natural foot movement. They’re great for wearing at home as well as for outdoor activities, and thanks to how packable they are, they’re easy to take travelling too.

Beautiful, comfortable and healthy too

Barefoot sandals are just one example of how healthy footwear can be not only comfortable, but stylish as well. Keep your children’s feet in mind for the rest of the year too, and treat them to quality shoes that don’t pinch anywhere and support proper development of the whole musculoskeletal system—giving children a foundation for life.

Where will your next steps take you?

• From first steps to healthy, strong feet: A guide to choosing first shoes
• PODCAST: Bc. Edita Prošková and Bc. Hana Tonarová: Balance bikes and ride-on toys
• How to measure your foot correctly and why barefoot shoes need an allowance
• Time to get slippers, backpacks and snacks ready—and head back to the classroom